Fortum pioneers carbon dioxide-based biodegradable plastic in Riihimäki, Finland
Fortum Recycling & Waste in Riihimäki, Finland, has explored methods to capture and reuse carbon dioxide emissions generated from the incineration of non-recyclable waste. The company has announced that it has become the first in the world to produce carbon dioxide-based biodegradable plastic. This initiative is part of the Carbon2x program, which piloted carbon capture technology in 2022.
Tony Rehn, the project manager, stated that the successful production of this biodegradable plastic marks a breakthrough toward more sustainable plastic manufacturing. Various carbon capture initiatives are also underway across different industries both in Finland and globally. However, according to Fortum, most of these projects focus on the production of synthetic fuels and the capture and storage of carbon dioxide.
Fortum estimates that if the innovation developed in Riihimäki is implemented on a larger scale, it could allow for the capture of up to 90% of carbon dioxide emitted during waste incineration. Millions of tons of non-recyclable waste are incinerated in Europe alone. Rehn emphasized that capturing and utilizing carbon dioxide offers a solution to the growing material shortage.
The biodegradable CO2-based plastic reportedly possesses the same quality characteristics as traditional plastics and can also be recycled. Beyond packaging materials, there are aspirations for its use in food and cosmetic packaging, toys, and home electronics.
Kari Rahkonen, Director of Fortum’s Waste Management Services in Finland, noted that the current phase of product development is expected to conclude this year, after which decisions regarding larger scale expansion and investment in carbon utilization will likely be made. The product brand for the CO2-based plastic is set to debut in the European market in November, with industrial production potentially starting by the end of the decade. Fortum Recycling & Waste was sold to Summa Equity this summer, pending regulatory approval.